Honda recently put out a couple of teaser videos hinting at a new, retro sled machine called the Neo Sports Cafe (NSC). Now, the company has taken the wraps off a concept version of the NSC at the 2017 Tokyo motor show.
The concept bike offers a thoroughly minimalist approach, with a round LED headlamp up front, slim and flowing fuel tank, and a clean tail section. Being a concept bike, it misses some features like mirrors and a rear number plate holder; though it’s present in the teaser video where it emerges from the swingarm, helping it maintain a clear rear end.
The chassis features fully adjustable front forks and comes with a single-sided swingarm at the rear. The video shows that the production bike – which debuts on November 6 – will feature a large silencer on the right with dual exhaust outlets.
Honda hasn't revealed engine statistics, but it uses a version of the 998cc inline-four from the Fireblade. The motor will probably be re-tuned for a stronger mid-range that will favour a street motorcycle.
It will be interesting to see how Honda positions the production NSC and what its final name with be. The bike could be sold as a standalone, retro-style machine that will rival the likes of the new Kawasaki Z900RS, which, admittedly, will be less powerful. Alternatively, some reports suggest that this could be the replacement for the CB1000R naked street fighter. And if that's the case, then it's fair to expect it to come to India as well, since the CB1000R has been on sale here for a number of years.
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
